Snow help

Snow isn't an issue. It's ice under the snow that makes it dangerous. I don't think Reno gets cold enough to worry about that.

 

OP, I think some tire stores (can't remember the name right now) will sell you cables and if you don't need them they allow returns in April or so. I did that but just kept them anyway.

Everyone else, I never understood why you want to engine brake. Can anyone explain why this method is better than just using brakes (abs is with the pedal system, can't abs the engine).

 

Stopping can be more of a challenge than going. Keep your speed down. Leave lots of room between you and other vehicles. Drive defensively.

 

Because it allows you to slow down without locking up the tires. Locking the tires up equals sliding and loss of control. This is why manuals are better than autos in the snow.

 

Exactly my point though. Engines don't have Abs. They can't let go when you actually lose traction. And to help matters, all of the engine braking goes to your rear tires (2WD mode) where you have zero weight, especially under deceleration.

I get that it would help you keep a lower speed naturally, but once you actually need to brake, your shooting yourself in the foot.

Again, unless I'm missing something.

Note, I've done dumb down shifts on a motorcyle and had engine braking lock up my rear wheel before. On dry pavement... Not recommended.

 

Go drive in some snow.

 

Engine braking works better than normal brakes in the ice because it’s a more gradual brake effect and you can’t lock the tires up and go into a slide like the actual brakes can/will do. ABS is not a good way to stop in snow and ice and increases stopping distance by quite a lot. The safety benefit is that it retains some steering capability by not allowing the wheels to remain locked. Braking to the threshold of locking is a more efficient way to stop the vehicle than ABS.

 

Chains? I live just south of the arctic circle and ran the factory TRD OR tires from October- December. In -30°C and a crap ton of snow. You should be ok.

Edit : good tires are important, but experience driving in snow/icy conditions plays more of a factor in my opinion.

 

Don’t be in a rush to travel anywhere, drive slow and take your time. Be willing to stay over if the weather turns ugly, stay at a motel if needed. It may not be you but the “other” guy who slides into you and causes a fatal crash. Did a lot of winter traveling through the years with some very close calls. Poor road conditions, under the snow and ice ,that you cannot see. Play it extra safe. Good luck and safe happy trails to you !!

 

And most importantly take ur time. If the drive is normally 3 hrs. Bank on 4.5hrs. Better to be early then rushing which leads to mistakes

Oh and if shit his the fan and your scared or can’t make the drive. Get off the road. I don’t mean pull over, I mean get off the road and park somewhere so your not a hazard to other drivers or soemthing for them to hit. You won’t freeze to death snowfall typically only happens for the majority of the world at the freezing point. Rarely does it snow at cold mer temps. Unless you live in or close to the arctic where I’ve seen it blizzarding at minus 40, mind you that tends to be wind blown snows. And i presume there are only a few of us on this board whom actually know what I am talking about.

 

Absolutely!!

 

Spent many a night at a hotel or sleeping in my vehicle at a truck stop because of weather. Always better to wait for the storm to pass and snow plows go through.

 

I live in the Sacramento area and have been skiing Tahoe for about 30 years (usually a season pass). I have never needed to chain up a 4x4 or AWD drive vehicle, in all that time. That said, there are times they will require you to carry chains and will check that you have them (rare). All the advice above about diving easy and avoiding braking hard is spot on.

 

I’m assuming you’ll take I-80 (with CA-88 as a potential secondary route). I’d get cables for the rear tires. Chains are fine too. I know everyone likes to think 4WD is everything, but the drivers from the Eastbound Coast and the Midwest et al. don’t get the same sort of freeze/thaw cycles we do in California; the conditions here can change quickly and can be highly variable regarding traction and safety.

 

Smart !!

 

Definitely agree a M/T is king in the mtns. It’s such a shame that an OR DC LB isn’t offered with a M/T

 

You can downshift with an auto and have the same effect. Can’t modulate the amount of braking quite as much without the clutch but it’s not enough to be a noticeable difference.

 

Very true but it’s just not the same as grinding your own gears, but I do agree it does get the job done.

 

Snow tires.

 

Just got back from Reno, a bit disappointed no snow. Except at Boreal mountain